Bakery owners celebrate successful first year

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/06/2021 (1760 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The past year has gone by in a flash but it has brought plenty of highlights for the owners of White Birch Bakery as it nears its first anniversary. Kristina Majowski and Shannon MacTavish thank everyone for their support.

The official one-year mark is June 30, and they will be marking the occasion. While plans are still in the works, they will include several bakery specials along with a draw for a photograph by a local artist.

If you’ve been to White Birch Bakery, at B-1108 Henderson Hwy., you’ll see several pieces of art on the walls. That is part of Majowski’s and MacTavish’s plan to create a community-oriented atmosphere. From the moment you walk in you’re in a bright space with plenty of sunlight and nice decor. The walls are decorated with photographs, paintings and sketches by local artists.

All are for sale, and it’s one way they want to help others in the community.
While opening in a pandemic has brought various delays, along with ever-changing restrictions, the year has been a positive one, mostly because of the people Majowski and MacTavish have

met.
“The people have been amazing, the location is amazing, the response and support have been amazing,” Majowski said. “I know I use that word all the time but it’s because it’s true.”
White Birch Bakery has its regulars, who are likely greeted by name when they walk in.

MacTavish, if she spots them walking up, often has their orderS ready before they hit the counter (she’s done that several times for me, due to my love of imperial cookies). Those regulars also know MacTavish and Majowski, and that’s the way they like it.

“We want to be a neighbourhood bakery, we want to have personal contact with our customers,” Majowski said.

People have their favourites, especially on certain days of the week ,when some specialty items come out. My favourite is Focaccia Fridays, which don’t happen every week but often enough that I come home with a warm treat for the family. Other items I enjoy are the sweet scones, Nanaimo bars and jalapeno cheddar bread. Really, you can’t go wrong with anything there.
Some items become regular features due to popular demand, including pumpkin gingerbread.

“We tried to take it off the menu a few times but they wouldn’t let us,” Majowski said.

“Cinnamon buns and date squares are also popular.”
Fresh on the menu on Fridays are hamburger buns, by popular demand. They’re perfect for barbecues and meals at the cottage.

When they developed the business plan for White Birch Bakery, Majowski and MacTavish envisioned a welcoming environment with plenty of light and the opportunity for the customers to see them at work. They wanted to be part of the community. Mission accomplished.

“The response we have gotten from customers and the neighbourhood has been our dream,” Majowski said.